Enabling Indigenous Trade: Business and Indigenous-Led Practices

Governments, businesses and Indigenous organizations all have a role to play in supporting Indigenous enterprise and trade. An earlier World Economic Forum white paper, Enabling Indigenous Trade: Actionable Guidance for Governments, introduced a framework of measures and illustrative examples to guide governments in supporting Indigenous participation in global markets. This publication turns to the role of business and Indigenous-led initiatives.

The paper sets out a typology of business practices that support Indigenous economic growth and trade at six levels: organization; operations; products and services; business relationships; supply chains; and community. It also highlights how Indigenous-led initiatives chart new pathways through research and advocacy, forums and events, and networks and training. It aims to inspire systematic, meaningful action and partnerships via structured frameworks and examples.